ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Quality Council of India  launches Prof. S.K. Joshi Laboratory Excellence Award
QCI launched the Prof. S.K. Joshi Laboratory Excellence Award todayvirtually amidst eminent dignitaries from Government & Industry.This is country’s first-of-its- kind LaboratoryExcellence Award. This Award has been instituted to promote Laboratory Quality and performance improvement in the country. The award has been incepted to ensure the laboratory’s commitment to achieve excellence in providing high precision testing and calibration services in line with the prevalent national/international quality systems legislations, including Health, Safety & Environment. This award will be open to all currently operational Laboratories pertaining to Testing, Calibration & Medical including their Proficiency Testing Providers & Reference Material Producers located in India.
Late Prof. S.K. Joshi was a luminary in the field of Science and Academica. Prof. Joshi made a significant contribution in improving scientific research in India by serving as President-INSA, DG-CSIR, Director-NPL and Chairman-NABL. Prof. Joshi was felicitated with Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, CV Raman Medal of INSA and several other prestigious awards.
Speaking on the occasionMr. AdilZainulbhai, Chairman, QCI, said, “The goal of this award is to locate India's best labs and to demonstrate to the rest of the world that our labs have the highest standards in the world”.
Dr. Ravi P. Singh, SG, QCI, said, “We've taken several little measures toward enhancing the quality of labs around the country, and QCI has endeavoured to honour Prof S K Joshi’s memories to celebrate excellence in lab ecosystem in the country.”.
“Through its boards, QCI strives to improve the lives of ordinary residents by promoting quality and standards. It is also important to adopt the best quality system at every stage of life,” Prof.  R. K. Kotnala, Chairman – NABLsaid. Dr. Shekhar C.Mande, Secretary - DSIR and DG – CSIR,expressed his happiness for this award being launched in honor of Prof. S.K Joshi, and said that in the future, more organizations will be inspired to improve their quality assurance and quality control.
Prof.  Ranjana Aggarwal , remembered Prof. S.K Joshi as an excellent science communicator and leader who inspired a new generation of scientists and researchers to help India achieve worldwide success.
Mr. Sunil Mathur , said, “The Award commends the lab's commitment to achieving excellence by providing precision testing and calibration services that follow the national and international legislations”.
Other distinguished personalities who graced the occasion were; Prof.  Venu Gopal Achanta ; Dr. B.K Rao ; Mr. Girish Krishnamurthy .
There are three Trophies  in each categoryof Laboratory  accompanied with cash award. The 5 stages of assessment by Technical Expert Committee  are Application Document Evaluation, Physical/Virtual Presentation, Site Assessment/Verification, Reference check and Jury evaluation.
There is no Application Feesfor this Award. For Application Form, Award Criteria& other details, please visit www.labexcellenceaward.qcin.org
Ministry of Science & Technology
Workshop to mark 20 years of Himalayan Chandra Telescope to highlight the science it produced
Himalayan Chandra Telescope has been used in many coordinated international campaigns to monitor stellar explosions, comets, and exo-planets, and has contributed significantly to these studies
In the cold, dry desert of Ladakh, 4500 meters above the mean sea level, for two decades, the 2-m diameter optical-infrared Himalayan Chandra Telescope  at the Indian Astronomical Observatory  has been scanning the night sky in search of stellar explosions, comets, asteroids, and exo-planets.
The telescope remotely operated using a dedicated satellite communication link from the Centre for Research & Education in Science & Technology , Indian Institute of Astrophysics , Hosakote, about 35 km northeast of Bangalore, celebrates its 20th birthday crediting itself with 260 research papers using data obtained from it.
On this occasion, to mark the 20 years of the first light event of the 2m HCT, IIA, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology , has organized a two-day online science workshop during September 29-30, 2020. The workshop will be inaugurated by Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST) and addressed by Dr. V. Ramamurthy, former Secretary, DST, during whose tenure IAO and the HCT project were approved and completed. The workshop will highlight the science that the telescope has produced since the commissioning and the future of IAO.
The telescope, which is at par with some of the older, well established, international 2m class telescopes telescope equipped with 3 science instruments, has provided data that has been used in the Ph.D. theses of 40 students , and currently, 36 students  pursuing Ph.D. degree, are collecting data with the HCT.
The area of research covers a wide range of topics, from solar system objects to cosmology. Some of the thrust research areas are study of solar system bodies like; comets, asteroids, the study of star formation processes and young stellar objects, study of open and globular clusters and variable stars in them, abundance analysis of elements in the atmosphere of evolved stars, star formation in external galaxies, Active Galactic Nuclei, stellar explosions like novae, supernovae, gamma-ray bursts and so on. The telescope has been used in many coordinated international campaigns to monitor stellar explosions, comets, and exo-planets, and has contributed significantly to these studies.
“Building, maintaining, and effective scientific use of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope has given our observational astronomy community experience and confidence to be the creators and international partners in the best of next-gen optical telescopes,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur addressed the youth participants and official representatives from the BRICS countries at the Opening Ceremony of the II BRICS Youth Camp
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur delivered an address to the youth participants and official representatives from the BRICS countries at the Opening Ceremony of the II BRICS Youth Camp on 2nd August 2022 through video.
The Union Minister said that the priority of the Government of India led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is to build everlasting links among the youth across the world. He highlighted the Lifestyle for Environment  campaign launched by the Prime Minister and urged the youth to come together and take Lifestyle for Environment  forward as a campaign which can become a mass movement towards an environmentally conscious lifestyle. He also emphasized the importance of keeping the roots of inter-generational and indigenous knowledge alive through resourceful integration.
Union Minister wished for a highly productive II BRICS International Youth Camp.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Sagar Parikrama: A successful journey towards resolving issues of fishers on ground
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Union Minister, FAH&D issued directives immediately to concerned agencies for undertaking intense rescue operation of missing fishermen onboard fishing boat operating from Colachel Fishing Harbour. He received a text message regarding capsized boat from a local fisherman who met him in Colachel during previous phase of Sagar Parikrama.
Rescue by Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard commenced with two Vessels of Indian Navy and One from Indian Coast Guard from 0830 AM on 8th October 2023.
One body recovered through rigorous rescue operation by Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard today. Search operations are still ongoing to locate the mortal remains of the second fishermen
A massive fishers and fish farmers outreach program namely Sagar Parikrama Yatra led by Hon’ble Union Minister, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is being undertaken since March 2022 through a pre-decided sea route from Gujarat to West Bengal covering around 8000 km of India’s coastline. Sagar Parikrama aims to meet the fishers at their door-steps and understand their issues and grievances, promote sustainable fishing and publicise the schemes and programs of the government and it has been instrumental so far. During Sagar Parikrama, fishers get an opportunity to interact with Union Ministers and key officials of Department of Fisheries, Government of India, State Government and other stake holders at their door- step.
Moving with the same spirit, Hon’ble Union Minister received a received a text message regarding capsized boat from a local fisherman who met him in Colachel during previous phase of Sagar Parikrama. Union Minister, FAH&D issued directives immediately to concerned agencies for undertaking intense rescue operation of missing fishermen onboard fishing boat operating from Colachel Fishing Harbour.
Hon’ble Union Minister met with family members of fishermen assured them for immediate intense search and rescue operation.
On 08.1.2023 during diving operations, mortal remains of one fishermen have been recovered by the divers. Search operations are still ongoing to locate the mortal remains of the second fishermen.
With these endeavours and attempts, the Sagar Parikrama is expected to achieve its goal of achieving open communication and feedback while also build trust between the fishermen communities and proves an instrumental in resolving issues of the fishers.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railway operates 283“Shramik Special” trains till 09th May, 2020  across the country
49 Shramik Special Trains in pipeline for today
Passengers are being given free meals and water
Trains being run by Railways only after concurrence is given both by the State which is sending the passengers and the State which is receiving them
Social distancing being observed
Around 1200 passengers travel in each of these “Shramik Special” trains
As per last reports- more than 300 special trains have run
Subsequent to the Ministry of Home Affairs order regarding movement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places by special trains,Indian Railways had decided to operate “Shramik Special” trains.
As on 9th May 2020, a total of 283 “Shramik Special” trains have been operationalized from various states across the country, in which 225 trains had reached its destination and 58 trains are in transit. 49 Shramik Special trains are in pipeline for today.
These 283 trains were terminated in various states like Andhra Pradesh , Bihar , Himachal Pradesh , Jharkhand , Madhya Pradesh , Maharashtra , Odisha , Rajasthan , Telangana , Uttar Pradesh , West Bengal .
These trains have ferried migrants to cities like Prayagraj, Chhapra, Balia, Gaya, Purnia, Varanasi, Darbhanga, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Jaunpur, Hatia, Basti, Katihar, Danapur,Muzzaffarpur, Saharsa etc.
In these Shramik Special Trains, maximum around 1200 passengers can travel observing social distancing. Proper screening of passengers is ensured before boarding the train. During the journey, passengers are given free meals and water.
Ministry of Defence
DGAFMS Flagged Off Motorcycle Expedition To Commemorate 258th Amc Raising Day
The prestigious expedition was flagged off by the Surg Vice Admiral Rajat Datta, Director General Armed Forces Medical Services in New Delhi on 3 April 2022
On the occasion of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” and to commemorate 258th Army Medical Corps Raising Day under the aegis of DGMS , the motorcycle expedition is planned encompassing 04 command & 12 states including seven North-East states. During the expedition the team will visit more than 100 Army & Civil medical establishments to motivate the doctors and paramedics. “The Corona Warriors”, posted at far-flung areas providing critical medical support; proving "Shoulders behind Soldiers" with the motto "Sarve Santu Niramaya"
The Army Medical Corps [AMC] which is the largest health care organization in the country, has been responsibly rendering medical care to the personnel in uniform and civilians in remote areas for last seven decades. Unique in the annals of AMC, this motorcycle expedition is being undertaken exclusively by the health fraternity of Army Medical Corps. The expedition will cover over 10000km  over a span of 18 days of driving time, which is no mean job in itself and would be a test of endurance for both man and machine. The expedition involves driving at high speed and in treacherous road conditions in the wild, mighty jungles and in mountains of North East states.
The expedition team consists of 03 Spl Officers, 02 Med Officers, 03 Non Tech Officers and 02 Other Ranks along with 02 reserve members from Army Medical Corps. The bikes are from Jawa Motors, special classic Army Fleet edition.
The team being lead by Col Rajesh W Adhau, SM, who is a mountaineer, adventure enthusiast and a Kargil War Veteran. Other members of the team include Col Sanjay Kumar, who has been a keen mountaineer, Lt Col Vishal Chopra a spirited Psychiatrist, Lt Col Veerbhadrappa, a veteran bike rider & renowned Eye Specialist, Lt Col Mrigank Choubey Paediatric Cardiologist, a known biker, Lt Col Mahesh Mahto an experienced rider & a Limca Book record holder from previous AMC Motorcycle Expedition, Maj Girish G a long distance cyclist and Maj Srinivas a Para motor pilot with an experience of over 33000 km of motorcycle expeditions. Hav Vinayak D Dhamale and NK Deepak Kumar Singh are veteran riders with more than 45000 km bike riding experience, who were also part of AMC Motorcycle expedition and had registered their names in India Book and Limca Book Record for Indian Army. Also Hav Yogesh Matwa & Nk Satheesh D are forming part of the team as reserve.
The unique effort would not only imbibe the ‘Espirit De Corps and spirit of adventure among all ranks of Army but also help in showcasing the tough and robust side of the AMC Warriors.
Director-General of Medical Service  & Sr Col Comdt, DGsMS  Lt Gen Daljit Singh and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
TRIFED asks State Nodal Departments & Implementing Agencies to initiate procurement from available funds under ‘MSP for MFP scheme’
TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs has asked the State Nodal Departments and Implementing Agencies to initiate procurement of Minor Forest Produces  at Minimum Support Price  from the available funds under MSP for MFP Scheme. In a letter to Chief Secretaries, State Nodal Departments and Implementing Agencies, the Managing Director of TRIFED Shri Pravir Krishna has said that TRIFED in collaboration with UNICEF is hosting Webinar sessions for the Van Dhan Self Help Group members of the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras  for creating awareness among the tribal gatherers for following social distancing measures and maintaining necessary hygiene required for carrying out their operations and all the State Nodal Departments, Implementing Agencies are participating in the webinar.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has notified the guidelines for the Marketing of Minor Forest Produce  through Minimum Support Price  and Development of Value Chain for MFP vide notification F. No. 19/17/2018- Livelihood dated: 26.02.2019.
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Arjun Munda has also written a letter to the Chief Ministers of States to undertake the necessary measures for mitigating the impact on tribal communities including advising the State Governments to initiate procurement of MFPs under MSP for MFP scheme for providing much required livelihood support to the tribal gatherers and obviate the movement of middlemen from urban areas to tribal habitations, thus checking any eventuality of spread of corona virus among tribal communities.
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
New Food Processing Policy
The Food Processing Sector has emerged as an important segment of the Indian economy and it constitutes as much as 9.9 percent and 11.4 percent share of GVA in Manufacturing and Agriculture sector respectively in 2019-20 at 2011-12 prices. However, some of the key challenges facing the sector are- Supply chain infrastructure gaps; Institutional gaps; Relatively low level of processing; Technological gaps, Lack of seamless Linkage between Agri-Production and Processing, Credit availability gaps etc. The draft National Food Processing Policy lays down strategy for unhindered growth of the sector by addressing these challenges through Promotion of clusters; Convergence of services provided by different Ministries / Departments; Focused interventions for improving competitiveness; Promotion of India’s Unique Selling Proposition ;Strengthening unorganized food processing units; Increased access to institutional credit at affordable cost.
Some of the key objectives of the draft policy are-
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- Attaining a higher growth trajectory through significant increase in investment for strengthening supply chain infrastructure and expansion of processing capacity particularly in perishables;
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- Improving Competitiveness through technology upgradation, Research &Development, Branding and strengthening India’s USP in food sector;
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- Attaining long term sustainability in growth of the sector through efficient use of water, energy, adoption eco-friendly technology in processing, storage, packaging and use of waste from FPI industry.
The draft policy had already been unveiled and circulated in November 2019 for comments of concerned Ministries/ Departments/State Governments and stakeholders at large . However, unforeseen economic challenges arising out of COVID Pandemic has necessitated substantial changes to it.
This information was given by Minister of State for M/o Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated 2 days sensitization workshop at Kevadia, Gujarat.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and office of Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities jointly organized a two days’ sensitization workshop on 4th to 5th March, 2022 at Tent City, , Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat. Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the event.
The aim of the workshop was to create awareness about various initiatives and the Schemes and Programmes of Government of India for empowerment and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and roles and responsibilities of the Statews in implementing RPwD Act, 2016. Exhibitions was also the part of the event in which products by self help groups of National Trust, NHFDC and aids & assistive devices being distributed by ALIMCO under ADIP to Divyangjans to Senior Citizen under RVY Scheme.. A film prepared by National Institute under the Department on accessibility and infrastructure was displayed during the event. The official website of CCPD, which is accessible and Divyang friendly Hob’ble Minister of SJ&E during the workshop.
While addressing at the event, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar said that there is a need to develop a favourable attitude towards Divyangjan among government functionaries as well as the public to achieve the goals of effective integration and sustainable inclusive development. Our strategy should be to make the divyangs realize their full potential and help them live a life of dignity, freedom and satisfaction. He also added that a community based inclusive development programme has been developed by the Government of India in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, Australia to create a pool of frontline rehabilitation professionals at the grassroots level.
Representatives of around 25 States/UTs participated in the workshop. During the workshop various implementation issues related to empowerment of divyangjan were deliberated. The role and responsibilities of Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities and State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities were the theme of the workshop and best practices of States were highlighted.
Smt Anjali Bhawra, Secretary was also present at the event and she emphasized that there is a need for awareness of the schemes and programme of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to bring them in to the mainstream and to make an inclusive society.
MG/RNM/SB
Ministry of Home Affairs
Steps Taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs for Police Modrenization
CCTNS active in 15152 out of 15985 police stations across the country
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G Kishan Reddy, in a written reply in Lok Sabha to a question regarding modernization of police forces said that this is a continuous and ongoing process. While ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State Subject as per schedule VII to the constitution of India, in order to supplement the efforts of the States for equipping and modernizing of their police forces, under the scheme of ‘Assistance to States for Modernisation of Police’ {erstwhile scheme of Modernisation of Police Force }, the States have been provided central assistance for training gadgets, advanced communication, police buildings, police housing, mobility, and forensic equipment etc. as per the proposals of the State Governments in accordance with their strategic priorities and requirements.
The Union Government has created an all India digital network –Crime & Criminal Tracking Networking System  in 15152 out of 15985 police stations of the country which has digitised police processes like registering complaints, FIRs, Investigation details, etc. 100% FIRs are being recorded in 14,992 police stations. In addition, the Government has launched Interoperable Criminal Justice System  which integrates the process of speedy justice by facilitating data-exchange between the courts, police, prosecution, jails and the forensic laboratories.
With a view to achieve the objectives of completion of police investigation within two months of filing FIR by police for sexual assaults, Government has facilitated monitoring of timelines in police investigation through the Investigation Tracking System for Sexual Offences  Portal, using CCTNS data. ITSSO is available to law enforcement agencies and gives details on pending cases. The Government has also launched a National Database of Sexual Offenders  for law enforcement officers. NDSO allows tracking of repeat and habitual sex offenders as well as initiate preventive measures against sexual offences. A cyber crime portal is also functional.